So I’m beginning my studies on Monday (yay!), however as a result I’ve been cut back to 4 hours a week instead of 14 hours at work. Leaving me with $67 a week, and $25 of that will be spent on weekly transport.

I went to apply for Centrelink (it’s like Australian welfare payments), and I explained my situation.

I am classed as a dependant, as I am under 21, I live at home and my mum still takes most of the financial responsibility.

Since I am a dependant, and mum makes too much money per year (she really doesn’t make much, since lots of tax is taken from her gross pay), I was rejected. No matter my situation, it all depends on her finances, not mine.

In every situation, her finances matter more than mine. My pay is literally being cut from $240 per week to $67 per week, and even though the money would have been be going into my account, it doesn’t matter unless she receives a lower gross pay.

So my question is, if a dependant, like myself, is applying for financial aid, should potential payments be based on the parent/guardian’s income or the applicant’s?